The Lincoln Hotel, located in Old South Baton Rouge, opened its doors on August 21, 1955. During segregation, it became a central hub for the African American community, serving as a popular gathering place for Sunday lunches after church and frequently hosting visiting musicians who performed in the city. For a decade, the hotel thrived, providing an essential space for social and business activities within the neighborhood.
The hotel was the vision of Dr. Aristotle Lorenzo Quincy Chatman, a prominent medical physician and businessman. Alongside his medical practice, Dr. Chatman invested in rental and commercial properties that catered to the local Black community. His leadership and entrepreneurial efforts contributed to the economic strength of the area.
Following Dr. Chatman’s death in 1961, the Lincoln Hotel ceased operations as a lodging establishment within a few years. In 1965, it became one of several sites targeted in a wave of bombings linked to white supremacist groups, though no injuries were reported. Afterward, the building transitioned into a residential property advertised for retired individuals and welfare recipients.
Today, the Lincoln Hotel is undergoing a restoration led by developer Anthony Kimble of Kimble Properties. Despite delays due to permitting and the COVID-19 pandemic, asbestos and lead remediation began in August 2021 as part of the first phase of renovations. Upon completion, the Lincoln Hotel will be a mixed-use development featuring retail spaces and businesses on the ground floor, further contributing to the revitalization of South Baton Rouge.
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